Allegro Beverage Corporation, the Philippine preferred coffee solutions provider, in partnership with LNA Management Group, will be staging the ultimate and the longest running barista competitions in the country. The 5th Latte Art Throwdown will be held on September 13, 2018 and the 12th Philippine Grand Barista Cup (PGBC) on September 14, 2018 at the Asia Food Expo (AFEX) in the World Trade Center, Manila.
These events have grown popularity and are celebrated by industry and coffee aficionados, showcasing the exceptional talent and craftsmanship of Filipinos in the art of coffee - the process of blending, style, creativity, and presentation.
The objectives of these competitions are:
- To promote the excellence and recognition of the barista competition
- to increase the appreciation for specialty coffee especially Philippine Arabica beans
- to raise the bar for Filipino baristas competing in world championships. Our highest ranking has been 13th place out of 60 countries at the World Barista Championships.
Leo De Leon, President of Allegro Beverage, is pleased to announce that the Grand Winner of each event will receive a Championship trophy, a Franke fully automatic espresso / cappuccino machine worth Php100K, a Barista Kit worth Php15K, free overnight hotel stay at Midas Hotel and Casino and Allegro gift bags from our valued sponsors.
De Leon said that these coffee competitions in the last 12 years have highlighted the technical and creative skills of the barista Finalists in service presentation, creativity and passion for coffee. He notes that more than half of our past winners have relocated overseas for greener pastures as there is a large demand for experienced Filipino baristas in cruise ships, hotels, casinos, restaurants, and coffee shops.
At a World Barista Championship that De Leon attended in Dublin, Ireland, there were 4 natural born Filipinos competing but representing countries from the Middle East and Austria.
Major partners for these events are EXPOBAR, MOAK Special Bar, Routin 1883 and Fruiss, Nuova Simonelli, and Franke fully automatic machines from Switzerland. Other sponsors are MILKLAB, Malongo Atelier, Barista Philippines, UCC Coffee, UCC Academy, Blizzard Ref Sales Corporation and Far Eastern University.
